December 2020 Newsletter - Visit www.vcrcd.org for more information!

DEADLINE EXTENDED! If you're farming in the lower Calleguas Creek Watershed and need help with irrigation, nutrient, and sediment management, VCRCD can cover 60-90% of the cost! Applications are due December 18, 2020! To download an application, click HERE o AQUI. Questions? Visit the CCWAMMP webpage or contact Jamie Whiteford at jamiewhiteford.vcrcd@gmail.com or 805-764-5132.

DON'T FORGET! Applications for IIMRLN (Interactive Irrigation Management to Reduce the Leaching of Nitrogen) are due December 18, 2020! Get FREE irrigation and fertilizer recommendations and FREE nutrient management plans! For an application, click HERE o AQUI. To visit the IIMRLN webpage, click HERE. Questions? Contact Jamie Whiteford at 805-764-5132 or jamiewhiteford.vcrcd@gmail.com.

Do you like, or even better, LIVE FOR MONARCH BUTTERFLIES? The RCD Does, so come join us and help save the dwindling population! We have upcoming opportunities to get involved with on the ground restoration and yearly counts, WE NEED YOUR HELP TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE! If you are interested in spending some time outdoors, getting your hands dirty, learning a thing or two, socially distant of course, and want to make an impact on your community visit this online survey or contact the Resource Conservation Specialist Andy Spyrka at andyspyrka.vcrcd@gmail.com to sign-up and become a VCRCD Eco Warrior!

NEW! VCRCD will be conducting a pilot tree removal and replacement program to battle the Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP) which is a vector for Huanglongbing, a devastating disease of citrus trees. This bacterial disease is transmitted to healthy trees by the psyllid after it feeds on infected plant tissue. VCRCD is committed to reducing the threat to our local citrus industry through a residential based program. Learn more here: vcrcd.org/acp. Sign-up to have your citrus tree removed and replaced here: Sign-up form.

For additional questions, please reach out to the Resource Conservation Specialist Andy Spyrka at andyspyrka.vcrcd@gmail.com.

REMINDER! Fire Recovery Funding Available! VCRCD is looking for landowners impacted by the 2018 (including Thomas Fire), 2019, and 2020 wildfires. If your property was burned during one of these wildfires and has resulted in environmental degradation, please visit this announcement *Clickable Link* and fill out the application, submit the app to the District Resource Conservation Specialist Andy Spyrka at andyspyrka.vcrcd@gmail.com. We have funding to assist with landscape restoration efforts.

VCRCD received funding to continue construction on the fire-wise native garden at our office in Somis. Once completed in 2021, the garden will be open to the public and guide local landowners on the correct paths to safely implement defensible space around your home and actively prevent wildfires! The program will also entail local homeowner evaluations with respect to defensible space effectiveness, announcements for signing up will occur next year.

Do you like to garden, conduct research or just want to help our local environment? The VCRCD is always looking for enthusiastic and passionate volunteers to join our team and assist in our wide-range of projects. Most notably the new fire-wise garden and Monarch butterfly restorations, we'd love some extra hands! Please sign-up here if you are interested in volunteering and becoming an Eco Warrior!

Would you like a FREE NRCS Conservation Plan or Nutrient Management Plan? Of course you would! Contact Dawn Afman, NRCS District Conservationist, at 805-984-2358, ext. 101, to get your plan.

Please consider donating to VCRCD! Your tax deductible donation will be greatly appreciated! Scroll to the bottom of this newsletter for our easy donation link. You can also donate via Amazon! We can accept donations through AmazonSmile under Fund for Resource Conservation. Be sure to shop via the link smile.amazon.com to make a donation.

The next Ventura River Watershed Council General Membership meetings are planned to be held virtually via webinar software until further notice. The next meeting is tentatively planned for Thursday, February from 9 am - 12 pm. Agendas will be sent out one week prior to the meetings, please contact Andy Spyrka at andyspyrka.vcrcd@gmail.com to be added to those announcements.

The next VCRCD Board of Directors' meeting will occur on January 20, 2021 . Currently, meetings are held remotely. Agendas and the website will provide information on accessing the meetings via an application or on your telephone. Check www.vcrcd.org for more information.

Did you know VCRCD operates on grants and donations? Supporting VCRCD means supporting your local community and helping conserve soil, water, and wildlife.